My husband tolerates my love of reality shows, but he really shakes his head when he catches me watching tv judge shows. I've been watching "The People's Court" since the days of Judge Wapner. He was followed by Ed Koch and Jerry Shiendlin, but the current judge, Marilyn Milian, is my favorite. Not just of the judges on that show, but of all the tv judges I've watched.
I also watch "Judge Judy" regularly even though I usually find her abbrasive and prone to decide her view of a case before actually facing the parties in the case. Sometimes she listens and changes her mind. Sometime she's funny, so I keep watching.
Few court shows can change hands, since who else can play Judge Mills Lane, but Judge Lane? "Divorce Court" is one of those shows. I loved Judge Mablean Ephriam and hated it when she left the show, but Judge Lynn Toler has turned out to be fun to watch. It's another regular part of my day.
Judge Cristina Pérez of "Christina's Court" is another favorite. She has a heart and has never yelled at anyone in her courtroom. She has also had a few low level celebrities on her shows, and doesn't seem embarrassed to fawn over them, even if her judgement is fair in the end.
Sometimes I watch "Judge Mathis" or "Judge Joe Brown", but they each annoy me one way or another. The male judge I like best is Judge Alex E. Ferrer. His "Judge Alex" is a pleasant show often sprinkled with humor that doesn't belittle the people who appear before him.
I've probably watched every court show at least once. They seem real. Someone my husband works with was on "Judge Maria Lopez" so I watched a whole season of the show, but I could never warm up to the judge. How they get so many people to go on tv and humiliate themselves I will nver know, but sometimes the emotions are so strong that I have to think they are true.
Even if they aren't, it's way to spend my day feeling that there are people in the world who are more screwed up than I am.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
When the Driving Gets Tough
I must have been hallucinating last week, because I could swear the promo said they would be lumberjacking this week. The map showingtheir route did show Seattle, but then they went on down to Salinas, CA. I was happy to get away from the cold weather, but I was surprised to see their job for the week. Monster trucking?
I'd always thought of such things as more hobbies the careers, but I suppose all that equipment does get very expensive. I've also never been a fan of daredevils, which is what the men and women who usually drive monster trucks must be. Our contestants last night, though, showed a lot of courage.
Though Ben was chosen as the best of the week, all three remaining women did well. It was all men who made the bottom 4. I was sure Eric would be going home this time, but he did pretty well in the final contest that decided who would be eliminated. Bryce is another who is frequently in the bottom group, but he really stepped it up this time, showing real guts. Or craziness. Chris barely squeaked past, but his one point better score resulted in Rick being sent home.
The show is really growing on me, and it's going to start being difficult to see contestants leave now that I feel I'm getting to know then. I'm still sure Eric's not making it to the end, but when he does leave, I'll probably feel sad about it.
I'd always thought of such things as more hobbies the careers, but I suppose all that equipment does get very expensive. I've also never been a fan of daredevils, which is what the men and women who usually drive monster trucks must be. Our contestants last night, though, showed a lot of courage.
Though Ben was chosen as the best of the week, all three remaining women did well. It was all men who made the bottom 4. I was sure Eric would be going home this time, but he did pretty well in the final contest that decided who would be eliminated. Bryce is another who is frequently in the bottom group, but he really stepped it up this time, showing real guts. Or craziness. Chris barely squeaked past, but his one point better score resulted in Rick being sent home.
The show is really growing on me, and it's going to start being difficult to see contestants leave now that I feel I'm getting to know then. I'm still sure Eric's not making it to the end, but when he does leave, I'll probably feel sad about it.
Monday, September 15, 2008
What is Reality TV?
I started out trying to categorize all the different sorts of reality programs, but then I found myself trying to determine the definition of reality tv. Do game shows count? Are sporting events reality tv?
It got me off on a tangent, which included wondering what the first reality show was. Game shows have always been real in a way. Ordinary people, often with celebrity assistance. Once in a while, a contestant is so successful, he or she becomes a celebrity. Recently, we saw Ken Jennings rise to fame with his success on "Jeopardy". Back in 1969, on the original version of "Jeopardy", Jay Wolpert earned similar renown and went on to work in the game show business, including working on "The Price is Right" as a producer and creating "Double Dare".
Game shows have fostered romance, as well. Most famously, the meeting and marriage of Betty White and "Password" host Allen Ludden. And celebrity couples have exposed their relationships as early as the early 70s with "Tattletales".
What about makeover shows? Let's look back at "Queen for a Day" that ran for 8 years beginning in 1956. Well, it wasn't really a makeover program, but the guests told their stories and the audience voted on which of the contestant would win her wish. Usually, it was an appliance of some sort.
Starting back in the 50s, we had two shows that are grandparents of things like "Fear Factor" and "Dog Eat Dog". One was "Truth or Consequences", hosted for many years by Bob Barker" and "Beat the Clock".
Yes, I'm old enough to remember all these shows. There was also a show I really liked where professional athletes competed in various sporting events, but I can't for the life of me remember it. So, it isn't that reality shows are new. It's there there are so very many now. I can't keep up with them all, and probably wouldn't want to. What I realize, though, is that I have always been a fan of reality tv.
It got me off on a tangent, which included wondering what the first reality show was. Game shows have always been real in a way. Ordinary people, often with celebrity assistance. Once in a while, a contestant is so successful, he or she becomes a celebrity. Recently, we saw Ken Jennings rise to fame with his success on "Jeopardy". Back in 1969, on the original version of "Jeopardy", Jay Wolpert earned similar renown and went on to work in the game show business, including working on "The Price is Right" as a producer and creating "Double Dare".
Game shows have fostered romance, as well. Most famously, the meeting and marriage of Betty White and "Password" host Allen Ludden. And celebrity couples have exposed their relationships as early as the early 70s with "Tattletales".
What about makeover shows? Let's look back at "Queen for a Day" that ran for 8 years beginning in 1956. Well, it wasn't really a makeover program, but the guests told their stories and the audience voted on which of the contestant would win her wish. Usually, it was an appliance of some sort.
Starting back in the 50s, we had two shows that are grandparents of things like "Fear Factor" and "Dog Eat Dog". One was "Truth or Consequences", hosted for many years by Bob Barker" and "Beat the Clock".
Yes, I'm old enough to remember all these shows. There was also a show I really liked where professional athletes competed in various sporting events, but I can't for the life of me remember it. So, it isn't that reality shows are new. It's there there are so very many now. I can't keep up with them all, and probably wouldn't want to. What I realize, though, is that I have always been a fan of reality tv.
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Can't Win 'Em All
This is the first chance I've had to really analyze a couple of shows. "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" and "Gone Country 2" don't really have much in common. They are reality shows on cable networks. Tabitha's show goes to a new salon each week trying to fix it and get it back on track. The CMT show could be called Celebrity something because it focuses on celebrities trying their hand at writing and singing a country song.
"Gone Country 2" is a competition. There's a prize for the winner. "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" doesn't really have a prize but the salon being featured each week gets a makeover. It's partly like "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" with a dash of "Nanny 911." It's not just the look of the place that needs to be fixed, but the relationships.
Usually Tabatha succeeds in making changes in the way the salon runs, not just on how it looks. This past week, she tried her best, but the changes in management style were temporary at best. It was obvious from the outset that the salon owner really didn't want to change the way things ran. She just wanted her salon updated. It's unfortunate, because Tabatha had inspired the stylists. I hope they all had the wisdom to find new employers.
Winning is sometimes a part of "Gone Country 2". This past week they had two challenges. One was to pair up and raise money for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lorenzo Lamas and Jermaine Jackson won this one. They were probably the most recognizable of the contestants. Chris Kirkpatrick and Mikalah Gordon worked very hard to raise money, and developed a little chemistry. Sean Young and Sebastian Bach made a half-hearted effort at best. The prize for this contest was a massage. Jermaine wasn't interested in getting a massage, but Lorenzo enjoyed his.
The second competition was a demolition derby. Everyone was terrified to have Sean get behind the wheel. They had stratagized to all try to get her out first, but she was bolder than all of them put together. Jermaine ended up being the last man driving, but Sean finished her off. If there was a prize, I'm not sure what it is, but wining gave Sean a big boost of confidence. Will it be enough to get her through the few remaining weeks?
"Gone Country 2" is a competition. There's a prize for the winner. "Tabatha's Salon Takeover" doesn't really have a prize but the salon being featured each week gets a makeover. It's partly like "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" with a dash of "Nanny 911." It's not just the look of the place that needs to be fixed, but the relationships.
Usually Tabatha succeeds in making changes in the way the salon runs, not just on how it looks. This past week, she tried her best, but the changes in management style were temporary at best. It was obvious from the outset that the salon owner really didn't want to change the way things ran. She just wanted her salon updated. It's unfortunate, because Tabatha had inspired the stylists. I hope they all had the wisdom to find new employers.
Winning is sometimes a part of "Gone Country 2". This past week they had two challenges. One was to pair up and raise money for the Country Music Hall of Fame. Lorenzo Lamas and Jermaine Jackson won this one. They were probably the most recognizable of the contestants. Chris Kirkpatrick and Mikalah Gordon worked very hard to raise money, and developed a little chemistry. Sean Young and Sebastian Bach made a half-hearted effort at best. The prize for this contest was a massage. Jermaine wasn't interested in getting a massage, but Lorenzo enjoyed his.
The second competition was a demolition derby. Everyone was terrified to have Sean get behind the wheel. They had stratagized to all try to get her out first, but she was bolder than all of them put together. Jermaine ended up being the last man driving, but Sean finished her off. If there was a prize, I'm not sure what it is, but wining gave Sean a big boost of confidence. Will it be enough to get her through the few remaining weeks?
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Whatever Modeling Takes
I think this week's episode of "Ameica's Next Top Model" confused the girls a little. Benny Ninja came in to teach the girls how to do unusual poses. He brought with him a model who was also a contortionist and the girls saw some very extreme poses. From that, many seemed to get the idea that for the challenge, they needed to bring that sort of crazy positioning.
The challenge was to pose to show of the client's jewelry and handbags. At least half the girls tried to incorporate having a leg in the air into their shot. Some with handbags dangling fro their bare feet. Others found some really strange positions. Sheena, proud of her flexibility displayed more originality the many of the girls, but she ended up having the handbag right in front of her crotch which did not go over well.
I'm a little disturbed this time by the mean-spiritedness of a couple of the models. Several have been unkind to Isis and another was accused last week of racism. On the other hand, some of the girls have been really supportive of Isis. One was even kind enough to talk to her while she gave herself and injection, to distract her.
The week's big photo shoot involved climbing a ladder to a hot air balloon. I don't know if they ever really intended to have the girls actually go up to the balloon. The girls were told that because of the wind they would climb a ladder and the balloon would be put in later. The girls overcame any fears they had and did a good job. I thought all of the pictures were pretty good. The two girls who ended up on the bottom probably did so more for their appearance before the judges that for their photo shoot.
Isis came in not looking like a model. She had on very casual, sloppy clothes and I don't think her hair looked that good, either. Nikeysha had too issues. One was that she was too thin, but the real flaw that sent her home was her poor attitude towards critques.
I think these girls are starting to learn that modeling isn't just about looking pretty in front of a camera. Next week, the ever popular makeover episode. This is when we really find out who is committed to doing whatever it takes to be a model.
The challenge was to pose to show of the client's jewelry and handbags. At least half the girls tried to incorporate having a leg in the air into their shot. Some with handbags dangling fro their bare feet. Others found some really strange positions. Sheena, proud of her flexibility displayed more originality the many of the girls, but she ended up having the handbag right in front of her crotch which did not go over well.
I'm a little disturbed this time by the mean-spiritedness of a couple of the models. Several have been unkind to Isis and another was accused last week of racism. On the other hand, some of the girls have been really supportive of Isis. One was even kind enough to talk to her while she gave herself and injection, to distract her.
The week's big photo shoot involved climbing a ladder to a hot air balloon. I don't know if they ever really intended to have the girls actually go up to the balloon. The girls were told that because of the wind they would climb a ladder and the balloon would be put in later. The girls overcame any fears they had and did a good job. I thought all of the pictures were pretty good. The two girls who ended up on the bottom probably did so more for their appearance before the judges that for their photo shoot.
Isis came in not looking like a model. She had on very casual, sloppy clothes and I don't think her hair looked that good, either. Nikeysha had too issues. One was that she was too thin, but the real flaw that sent her home was her poor attitude towards critques.
I think these girls are starting to learn that modeling isn't just about looking pretty in front of a camera. Next week, the ever popular makeover episode. This is when we really find out who is committed to doing whatever it takes to be a model.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Down to Ten
Last night, we learned the top ten "America's Got Talent" contestants.
The Wright Kids, Queen Emily, Neal E. Boyd, Paul Salos and Jessica Price came from Tuesday night's competition. From Wednesday's came Kaitlyn Maher, Donald Braswell, Nuttin But Stingz, Eli Matson and Joseph Hall. I suppose that the judges were right choosing Hall over baton master, Jonathan Burkin, because he might not be able to provide enough variety for an hour and a half show. However, does Las Vegas really need another Elvis impersonator?
Almost all the acts are singers. Does that give Nuttin But Stringz an edge? They are very engaging and unique, so I wouldn't mind that at all. I did like Kaitlyn's performance this week, but I still think she and the Wright Kids are too young for Vegas.
Cutting the group down to five next week is going to be brutal. Last night, they had Queen Emily and Neal out on stage together. They have been bringing contestants out in pairs all through the show, announcing who was staying and who was going. Even the judges were shocked at the idea that one of the two frontrunners were going to go home. Surprise! They were both staying. Just shows how difficult it will be next time.
The Wright Kids, Queen Emily, Neal E. Boyd, Paul Salos and Jessica Price came from Tuesday night's competition. From Wednesday's came Kaitlyn Maher, Donald Braswell, Nuttin But Stingz, Eli Matson and Joseph Hall. I suppose that the judges were right choosing Hall over baton master, Jonathan Burkin, because he might not be able to provide enough variety for an hour and a half show. However, does Las Vegas really need another Elvis impersonator?
Almost all the acts are singers. Does that give Nuttin But Stringz an edge? They are very engaging and unique, so I wouldn't mind that at all. I did like Kaitlyn's performance this week, but I still think she and the Wright Kids are too young for Vegas.
Cutting the group down to five next week is going to be brutal. Last night, they had Queen Emily and Neal out on stage together. They have been bringing contestants out in pairs all through the show, announcing who was staying and who was going. Even the judges were shocked at the idea that one of the two frontrunners were going to go home. Surprise! They were both staying. Just shows how difficult it will be next time.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Double Down
Usually, on Bravo's current dynamic duo, "Project Runway" and "Top Design", only one competitor is sent home. Last night, both programs eliminated two people. Just learning that two would be going sent the contestants into shock. It was just so unexpected.
That wasn't the only surprise for the fashion designers on "Project Runway". Their challenge this week was to make an avant garde outfit inspired by a zodiac sign. It was actually an interesting project, but the surprise twist was that the eight eliminated designers were brought back to team with the remaining competitors. They chose between the two zodiac signs of the team members then began brain-storming ways to represent that sign in their designs.
Jerell, who was teamed with Jennifer, won. They created a delightfully unique outfit to represent Sagittarius. A further twist was that contestants from previous seasons were the judges for this challenge. I liked almost all of the outfits, but Blayne's was horrid. His being sent home was no surprise. In fact, I was surprised he'd made it this long. It was a stunner when Terri was also sent home. I had liked her and her work. I like Kenley, too, but I felt like her creation was much more hideous than Terri's. Joe's dress was beautiful, but it was a tango dress. That didn't seem as avant garde to me as some of the others.
All in all, it was a fun double reunion. The former "Project Runway" designers are keeping busy with reality tv. Several of them will be on a future episode of "Top Design", next week's, I believe. They should make interesting clients for the interior designers.
The ones that are left, at least. Teamwork was a factor "Top Design", as well. The designers were paired up and charged with decorating fallout shelters. What an intriguing challenge! I was amazed by what many of them accomplished. Though Eddie and Andrea won, several of the teams did fantastic jobs.
The bottom two teams deserved to be there. In both cases, they divided the bunker up. Ondine and Preston took a male/female approach, each putting together and area that suited how they would want to spend their time if they lived in the bomb shelter. Ondine was planning to write a novel. Jennifer and Robert couldn't agree on anything, so they just divided the room up. There was no cohesiveness in the design and their inability to work together was a big factor in them being the ones sent home.
I look forward to seeing the two shows collide next week. Bravo has some great shows. I'm going to hate it when "Project Runway" move to another network next year.
That wasn't the only surprise for the fashion designers on "Project Runway". Their challenge this week was to make an avant garde outfit inspired by a zodiac sign. It was actually an interesting project, but the surprise twist was that the eight eliminated designers were brought back to team with the remaining competitors. They chose between the two zodiac signs of the team members then began brain-storming ways to represent that sign in their designs.
Jerell, who was teamed with Jennifer, won. They created a delightfully unique outfit to represent Sagittarius. A further twist was that contestants from previous seasons were the judges for this challenge. I liked almost all of the outfits, but Blayne's was horrid. His being sent home was no surprise. In fact, I was surprised he'd made it this long. It was a stunner when Terri was also sent home. I had liked her and her work. I like Kenley, too, but I felt like her creation was much more hideous than Terri's. Joe's dress was beautiful, but it was a tango dress. That didn't seem as avant garde to me as some of the others.
All in all, it was a fun double reunion. The former "Project Runway" designers are keeping busy with reality tv. Several of them will be on a future episode of "Top Design", next week's, I believe. They should make interesting clients for the interior designers.
The ones that are left, at least. Teamwork was a factor "Top Design", as well. The designers were paired up and charged with decorating fallout shelters. What an intriguing challenge! I was amazed by what many of them accomplished. Though Eddie and Andrea won, several of the teams did fantastic jobs.
The bottom two teams deserved to be there. In both cases, they divided the bunker up. Ondine and Preston took a male/female approach, each putting together and area that suited how they would want to spend their time if they lived in the bomb shelter. Ondine was planning to write a novel. Jennifer and Robert couldn't agree on anything, so they just divided the room up. There was no cohesiveness in the design and their inability to work together was a big factor in them being the ones sent home.
I look forward to seeing the two shows collide next week. Bravo has some great shows. I'm going to hate it when "Project Runway" move to another network next year.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
America Does Have Some Talent
Time for "America's Got Talent" again. I guess I'm hooked, because I do keep watching.
Watching the first of the final 20 perform, I had a couple of thoughts. We are now to the point where the majority of the acts really are talented. But, I have to say that there are a lot of people in the country who are more talented. I suppose they just didn't audition for the show.
I'm fairly happy with who was sent on after the last of the 40 performed, but I still think the 4-year-old shouldn't be going on. Can she carry a whole show? In Las Vegas? She's gotten some great exposure and I am sure she'll get all sorts of offers that will fit her talent better. Commercials, for example.
The judges said something similar about The Wright Kids. However, I thought they did well last night and they are growing on me. I still don't think kids and Las Vegas go well together, but they have a chance of being able to put on a whole show.
Being able to do a whole show is becoming more important to the judges now that we are seeing the best of the best. From last night, I'm hoping the ZOOperstars will not come back. I don't think Jessica Price or Daniel Jens are quite good enough to go on. I'd like to see Queen Emily, Paul Salos and Neal E. Boyd move on to the next round. The others I can see going either way.
Tonight we'll find out who goes on and who goes home from that group. We'll also be seeing the remaining half of the top 20. I don't know if there is anyone appearing tonight that I am really looking forward to seeing. I'll just have to wait and see.
Watching the first of the final 20 perform, I had a couple of thoughts. We are now to the point where the majority of the acts really are talented. But, I have to say that there are a lot of people in the country who are more talented. I suppose they just didn't audition for the show.
I'm fairly happy with who was sent on after the last of the 40 performed, but I still think the 4-year-old shouldn't be going on. Can she carry a whole show? In Las Vegas? She's gotten some great exposure and I am sure she'll get all sorts of offers that will fit her talent better. Commercials, for example.
The judges said something similar about The Wright Kids. However, I thought they did well last night and they are growing on me. I still don't think kids and Las Vegas go well together, but they have a chance of being able to put on a whole show.
Being able to do a whole show is becoming more important to the judges now that we are seeing the best of the best. From last night, I'm hoping the ZOOperstars will not come back. I don't think Jessica Price or Daniel Jens are quite good enough to go on. I'd like to see Queen Emily, Paul Salos and Neal E. Boyd move on to the next round. The others I can see going either way.
Tonight we'll find out who goes on and who goes home from that group. We'll also be seeing the remaining half of the top 20. I don't know if there is anyone appearing tonight that I am really looking forward to seeing. I'll just have to wait and see.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
America's Toughest Judges?
While I was watching last night's episode of "America's Toughest Jobs, I realized something that hadn't struck me before. On shows that have judges, most of the judges are there for the whole season. On shows like "Top Design", "America's Next Top Model" and "Project Runway", there is usually one guest judge, but the others are there for each episode. It gives a good mix of looking at just the one project being judged to having an idea of how the participants have been performing all along.
"America's Toughest Jobs" goes against that method. There are different judges each week. They are the 'bosses' that oversee the various jobs the contestants tackle. This creates an interesting dynamic in which a previously successful competitor can find themself headed home for one bad performance. That's what happened last night.
This week's job was mining for gold in Alaska. These people must be sick of the cold now. This job required spending time standing in frigid water. It was hard and heavy work. One thing that has surrised me, and happily so, is how often the women come out on top. Sandy was singled out as the best last night.
After working a 24-hour shift, the four contestants found to be the poorest were sent to pan individually. Steven, Phil, Bryce and Ben were selected as the bottom four. The surprise here was that Phil was top last week as a truck driver. Another surprise for me was that Eric was not in the bottom four. I'm amazed he's still around. Anyway, the four in jeopardy of being sent home spent the night trying to find gold. The person who found the least, judged by weight, would go home.
Sadly, it was Phil who came in last. It's a shame to see him go, but I think this has shown everyone that they have to push hard every time. There's no riding of previous successes.
Next week, they'll be logging in Washington. Hopefully, it we be a bit warmer. I'm looking forward to seeig how the women do. They sure are proving that there really aren't many, if any, 'men's jobs'.
"America's Toughest Jobs" goes against that method. There are different judges each week. They are the 'bosses' that oversee the various jobs the contestants tackle. This creates an interesting dynamic in which a previously successful competitor can find themself headed home for one bad performance. That's what happened last night.
This week's job was mining for gold in Alaska. These people must be sick of the cold now. This job required spending time standing in frigid water. It was hard and heavy work. One thing that has surrised me, and happily so, is how often the women come out on top. Sandy was singled out as the best last night.
After working a 24-hour shift, the four contestants found to be the poorest were sent to pan individually. Steven, Phil, Bryce and Ben were selected as the bottom four. The surprise here was that Phil was top last week as a truck driver. Another surprise for me was that Eric was not in the bottom four. I'm amazed he's still around. Anyway, the four in jeopardy of being sent home spent the night trying to find gold. The person who found the least, judged by weight, would go home.
Sadly, it was Phil who came in last. It's a shame to see him go, but I think this has shown everyone that they have to push hard every time. There's no riding of previous successes.
Next week, they'll be logging in Washington. Hopefully, it we be a bit warmer. I'm looking forward to seeig how the women do. They sure are proving that there really aren't many, if any, 'men's jobs'.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Tyra, Tyra, Tyra
I like this time of year. Not only do I get to watch "America's Next Top Model" latest cycle, I have the chance to see former contestants on Tyra Banks' talk show. This week, I've noticed both Fatima from last season and contestant Toccara from several cycles ago on different episodes of "The Tyra Banks Show". I admit, I tend to watch the show most often when there is a link to the modeling show. I always want to know what happened to the contestants from previous seasons.
Sadly, it seems that the same past contestants guest over and over, while others I'd really like to catch up with haven't appeared at all. I'd really love to see an interview with Elyse, for example. I know there are lots of factors involved in scheduling guests for a show. Most likely availability is the main obstacle in getting guests onto the show. Elyse, since I've already mentioned her, seems to keep very busy modeling in Asia. I can keep up pretty well with her by following her blog, but that's not the same as getting to see and hear her on television.
Sometimes I wonder if there might be other issues that prevent some models from appearing. Is it possible that they aren't invited at all? There are some who left the show under less than pleasant circumstances. Some have left ANTM with Tyra angry at them, or vice versa. Others have turned on Tyra. First cycle winner, Adrianne Curry, said some very harsh things early on. When she saw following cycles offering better prizes, she didn't take it well. Adrianne has never seemed like a tactful person. She's taken a lot of it back, but she might be considered a loose cannon. This, of course, is all just speculation on my part.
There is a lot about Tyra Banks that I admire. She's carved a niche for herself that I think will rival Oprah's. Her company, Bankable Productios, has several projects under development. What I like most about her is that she has a special concern for young women and I love the way she empowers them through both her shows and through her camps. It's important for girls to know they can do and be whatever they dream.
Back to past contestants on "America's Next Top Model". I noticed there's a feature during one of the breaks where they catch up with a former contestant. It's called "Top Models in Action" and is sponsored by CoverGirl. I don't know if they've stopped doing their "My Life as a Covergirl", but I like this new feature better. The first model featured was Toccara. I'm looking forward, then, to seeing former contestants on both shows now.
Sadly, it seems that the same past contestants guest over and over, while others I'd really like to catch up with haven't appeared at all. I'd really love to see an interview with Elyse, for example. I know there are lots of factors involved in scheduling guests for a show. Most likely availability is the main obstacle in getting guests onto the show. Elyse, since I've already mentioned her, seems to keep very busy modeling in Asia. I can keep up pretty well with her by following her blog, but that's not the same as getting to see and hear her on television.
Sometimes I wonder if there might be other issues that prevent some models from appearing. Is it possible that they aren't invited at all? There are some who left the show under less than pleasant circumstances. Some have left ANTM with Tyra angry at them, or vice versa. Others have turned on Tyra. First cycle winner, Adrianne Curry, said some very harsh things early on. When she saw following cycles offering better prizes, she didn't take it well. Adrianne has never seemed like a tactful person. She's taken a lot of it back, but she might be considered a loose cannon. This, of course, is all just speculation on my part.
There is a lot about Tyra Banks that I admire. She's carved a niche for herself that I think will rival Oprah's. Her company, Bankable Productios, has several projects under development. What I like most about her is that she has a special concern for young women and I love the way she empowers them through both her shows and through her camps. It's important for girls to know they can do and be whatever they dream.
Back to past contestants on "America's Next Top Model". I noticed there's a feature during one of the breaks where they catch up with a former contestant. It's called "Top Models in Action" and is sponsored by CoverGirl. I don't know if they've stopped doing their "My Life as a Covergirl", but I like this new feature better. The first model featured was Toccara. I'm looking forward, then, to seeing former contestants on both shows now.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
One Down, One Up
I'm still recovering from Friday night on CMT. As much as I hate to give up on things, I just can't watch "Outsiders Inn" any longer. If they had made it an actual sitcom with well-scripted humor I might have liked it. Instead, it hovered somewhere between real and entertaining, ending up being neither.
On the other hand I really liked "Gone Country 2". It's nice to see a program where contestants aren't eliminated. I suppose "Celebrity Fit Club" is that way, too. In both cases, there seem to be drop outs, though, like Irene Cara this season of the country music boot camp.
While I didn't see a whole lot of point in sending the singer/songwriter celebrities to a farm to learn roping and pig wrestling, the segment was tolerable. What I really liked was them having to judge an amateur night talent contest using the same criteria by which they will be judged. It's the sort of thing we urged trainers to do when I was writing curriculum at work.
I'm looking forward to seeing the celebrities perform more and to having them work on their own songs. One of the most interesting things last season was seeing the things that people sang about that were drawn from their own lives. I thought Maureen McCormick's song was particularly touching. Which is part of why I am so disappointed with "Outsiders Inn".
On the other hand I really liked "Gone Country 2". It's nice to see a program where contestants aren't eliminated. I suppose "Celebrity Fit Club" is that way, too. In both cases, there seem to be drop outs, though, like Irene Cara this season of the country music boot camp.
While I didn't see a whole lot of point in sending the singer/songwriter celebrities to a farm to learn roping and pig wrestling, the segment was tolerable. What I really liked was them having to judge an amateur night talent contest using the same criteria by which they will be judged. It's the sort of thing we urged trainers to do when I was writing curriculum at work.
I'm looking forward to seeing the celebrities perform more and to having them work on their own songs. One of the most interesting things last season was seeing the things that people sang about that were drawn from their own lives. I thought Maureen McCormick's song was particularly touching. Which is part of why I am so disappointed with "Outsiders Inn".
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Hair Today, Product Tomorrow
"Tabatha's Salon Takeover" is growing on me. I'm starting to actually like the woman. This latest episode showed she can be patient. The salon owner was so arrogant and immature that I couldn't imagine she would be able to change him. At the outset, he seemed to think of her and the show as a way to fix up his salon. It was definitely in need of a refurbishing. They didn't even have enough work stations for all the stylists.
The place was filthy, too. I'm surprised they got any return customers. The owner seemed to keep them by being flirtatious more than by providing a good work and business environment. As usual, Tabatha turned things around. She even helped him stop spending more than he had. His self-indulgence had not been overlooked by his employees and he was more a friend than a boss. This all led to them having little respect for him.
By the time she left, she had the salon shipshape, the stylishists enthused about their jobs and the owner ready to actively manage. She had identified the employees who should take leadership roles in the salon. By the time she left, they were all happy campers.
Of course, these are all pretty much what we've seen in every episode. The one new thing that really stood out to me was the focus on selling product. I've always had stylists suggest different shampoos and such for me. Once in a while, I've gone home with the product that had been recommended. I never realized that selling hair care products is a lucrative part of a salon's income. Perhaps this was too big a revelation, especially when they showed the techniques used to sell a customer on a product.
I wonder what revelations the next episode will have?
The place was filthy, too. I'm surprised they got any return customers. The owner seemed to keep them by being flirtatious more than by providing a good work and business environment. As usual, Tabatha turned things around. She even helped him stop spending more than he had. His self-indulgence had not been overlooked by his employees and he was more a friend than a boss. This all led to them having little respect for him.
By the time she left, she had the salon shipshape, the stylishists enthused about their jobs and the owner ready to actively manage. She had identified the employees who should take leadership roles in the salon. By the time she left, they were all happy campers.
Of course, these are all pretty much what we've seen in every episode. The one new thing that really stood out to me was the focus on selling product. I've always had stylists suggest different shampoos and such for me. Once in a while, I've gone home with the product that had been recommended. I never realized that selling hair care products is a lucrative part of a salon's income. Perhaps this was too big a revelation, especially when they showed the techniques used to sell a customer on a product.
I wonder what revelations the next episode will have?
Friday, September 5, 2008
Beginning and End
Finally got a chance to see all of Wednesday's "America's Next Top Model" season premiere. This is where you get to see the audition process and how they get down to 14 models. In the last couple of cycles, they've had a sort of academy theme with the Js as teachers. This year, they had a futuristic idea where everything was technological. I liked the way they revealed who was going on by having each girl get the data from a computer.
So, in the second hour the final 14 moved into their digs in LA and had their first photo shoot. It had an elections theme as Tyra continues to keep the show relevant. In the past, they've done 'green' and anti-smoking shoots.
It's a little early to have all the contestants sorted, but there are a few types we're seeing again. The girl with the different sexual orientation in the footsteps of Ebony and Kim, and the offbeat girl like Lauren and Jael. There's the bitchy one who talks about everyone behind their backs, similar to Camille and Cassandra, and the athlete, following in Anne and Michelle's footsteps.
They interviewed a smart girl, like Elyse and Victoria, and a plus-size candidate like last year's winner, Whitney and Tocarra, one of the most successful non-winners. I'm not sure if those girls made it into the house though. I'm still trying to figure out who everyone is.
I won't really get a chance to know Sharaun, since she was the first to go home. I think the worst eliminations for the models are being the first one out, or the first one sent home from the foreign location. I hope Sharaun keeps working on modeling. There's a lot of proof now that girls don't need to be winners to have successful modeling careers.
Ending their shorter run last night was "Reality Bites Back". The final show spoof was titled "American Surv-idol-ers Kitchen". I suppose the kitchen part came in when they had to build huts with pitas and hummus. Three reality show veterans served as judges of the hut building and also joined all the eliminated contestants in voting for the person who would win the show. Theo Von was triumphant. Thank goodness the show is done!
The new thing this year is a girl who was born a boy. If you consider transgenderism as an illness or birth defect, then I suppose Isis fits in the 'girl with an illness' category that has included Mercedes and Heather in the past. I am very happy to see there are at least a couple of girls in the house that are supportive of and friendly to Isis.
So, in the second hour the final 14 moved into their digs in LA and had their first photo shoot. It had an elections theme as Tyra continues to keep the show relevant. In the past, they've done 'green' and anti-smoking shoots.
It's a little early to have all the contestants sorted, but there are a few types we're seeing again. The girl with the different sexual orientation in the footsteps of Ebony and Kim, and the offbeat girl like Lauren and Jael. There's the bitchy one who talks about everyone behind their backs, similar to Camille and Cassandra, and the athlete, following in Anne and Michelle's footsteps.
They interviewed a smart girl, like Elyse and Victoria, and a plus-size candidate like last year's winner, Whitney and Tocarra, one of the most successful non-winners. I'm not sure if those girls made it into the house though. I'm still trying to figure out who everyone is.
I won't really get a chance to know Sharaun, since she was the first to go home. I think the worst eliminations for the models are being the first one out, or the first one sent home from the foreign location. I hope Sharaun keeps working on modeling. There's a lot of proof now that girls don't need to be winners to have successful modeling careers.
Ending their shorter run last night was "Reality Bites Back". The final show spoof was titled "American Surv-idol-ers Kitchen". I suppose the kitchen part came in when they had to build huts with pitas and hummus. Three reality show veterans served as judges of the hut building and also joined all the eliminated contestants in voting for the person who would win the show. Theo Von was triumphant. Thank goodness the show is done!
The new thing this year is a girl who was born a boy. If you consider transgenderism as an illness or birth defect, then I suppose Isis fits in the 'girl with an illness' category that has included Mercedes and Heather in the past. I am very happy to see there are at least a couple of girls in the house that are supportive of and friendly to Isis.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
They're The Tops
"Top" appears in the names of many reality shows and being the best is the goal of just about any sort of competition series. Last night I got a good dose of that. "America'a Next Top Model" had its season opener, as did "Top Design". "America's Got Talent" presented the last ten of its 40 semi-finalists. "Project Runway" continued giving the fashion designers the chance to prove themselves the best.
"America's Next Top Model" is probably my top reality show. I didn't have a chance to watch the whole two hours, so I'll review it another time. I'm just so excited that it's back! I'm eager to see if they once again have the various types that seem to have become the recipe for the show.
"America's Got Talent" was also two hours, split by the convention. I didn't get excited about any of the performers. Perhaps that is because I was so upset that the judges sent Michael Strelo-Smith home. Hopefully, I'll have stopped pouting by next week. Right now, I'm not sure I even care who wins.
"Top Design" had a new twist this year, or at least I don't recall it from last season. It's called 'pop design' and involves a short challenge that earns immunity. Last night, in the middle of being teams designing apartments to the tastes of the show's judges, the designers each had to make shadow boxes. Surprisingly, four of them got immunity. That made it scary for the remaining nine contestants.
One of the teams had a few disasters, the worst being an overflowing sink that got most of their fabrics wet. One of the members of that team ended up being sent home. I think it was more that he hadn't contributed much to the team than it was that he did a poor job.
"Project Runway" is getting to the point where most of the designs are good. Leanne won again and I think she really deserved it. The bottom two were Joe and Stella. I think it was time for Stella to go. She seemed constantly to be down, mood-wise, and her fashion vision was pretty narrow. Her passion for leather did create some interesting outfits, but I never saw her as someone who could come out on top.
"America's Next Top Model" is probably my top reality show. I didn't have a chance to watch the whole two hours, so I'll review it another time. I'm just so excited that it's back! I'm eager to see if they once again have the various types that seem to have become the recipe for the show.
"America's Got Talent" was also two hours, split by the convention. I didn't get excited about any of the performers. Perhaps that is because I was so upset that the judges sent Michael Strelo-Smith home. Hopefully, I'll have stopped pouting by next week. Right now, I'm not sure I even care who wins.
"Top Design" had a new twist this year, or at least I don't recall it from last season. It's called 'pop design' and involves a short challenge that earns immunity. Last night, in the middle of being teams designing apartments to the tastes of the show's judges, the designers each had to make shadow boxes. Surprisingly, four of them got immunity. That made it scary for the remaining nine contestants.
One of the teams had a few disasters, the worst being an overflowing sink that got most of their fabrics wet. One of the members of that team ended up being sent home. I think it was more that he hadn't contributed much to the team than it was that he did a poor job.
"Project Runway" is getting to the point where most of the designs are good. Leanne won again and I think she really deserved it. The bottom two were Joe and Stella. I think it was time for Stella to go. She seemed constantly to be down, mood-wise, and her fashion vision was pretty narrow. Her passion for leather did create some interesting outfits, but I never saw her as someone who could come out on top.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Not So Much Talent?
Tuned in last night for "America's Got Talent" and was a little disappointed. I don't know if there were 5 acts I want to see go on. The baton guy is probably one of them. The opera singer who can sing both male and female parts totally blew it by singing a pop song in a very high-pitched operatic voice.
I was fairly happy with the results from last Wednesday's vote, except I can't understand why the judges decided to move along the crazy guys in the costumes, ZOOperstars. Last week, none of the judges seemed to like them all that well. At least these folks are all getting some exposure and hopefully, it will lead to some sort of work in the future.
My votes went to the singing music teacher. I couldn't understand why the judges were so harsh with him. He was better than the singing family, but I am pretty sure they'll move on, as did the Wright Kids from last Wednesday's show. I can't think of any other acts that I liked and most of the time I agreed with the judges.
I've also had a chance to catch up with the first season of "I Wanna Be A Soap Star". It's airing in the middle of the night on Soapnet, so I'm grateful to have a DVR. I don't know if they are going to do a fifth season of the show, but I find it fairly enjoyable. One thing they do at the end is give a little update on the eliminated actor.
I think the show has only produced one really successful winner, but it has a few good things going for it. I like it enough that I scan the Soapnet schedule regularly to see if it is coming up. I stopped watching soap operas a long time ago, so I wouldn't be apt to see ads for the show.
Both shows are about people striving to break into entertainment. "America's Got Talent" is focused on finding Las Vegas acts. There is a lot more diversity in Las Vegas shows, so I suppose it makes sense that we're seeing all sorts of strange types of performances. It's nice to see how innovative people can be.
I was fairly happy with the results from last Wednesday's vote, except I can't understand why the judges decided to move along the crazy guys in the costumes, ZOOperstars. Last week, none of the judges seemed to like them all that well. At least these folks are all getting some exposure and hopefully, it will lead to some sort of work in the future.
My votes went to the singing music teacher. I couldn't understand why the judges were so harsh with him. He was better than the singing family, but I am pretty sure they'll move on, as did the Wright Kids from last Wednesday's show. I can't think of any other acts that I liked and most of the time I agreed with the judges.
I've also had a chance to catch up with the first season of "I Wanna Be A Soap Star". It's airing in the middle of the night on Soapnet, so I'm grateful to have a DVR. I don't know if they are going to do a fifth season of the show, but I find it fairly enjoyable. One thing they do at the end is give a little update on the eliminated actor.
I think the show has only produced one really successful winner, but it has a few good things going for it. I like it enough that I scan the Soapnet schedule regularly to see if it is coming up. I stopped watching soap operas a long time ago, so I wouldn't be apt to see ads for the show.
Both shows are about people striving to break into entertainment. "America's Got Talent" is focused on finding Las Vegas acts. There is a lot more diversity in Las Vegas shows, so I suppose it makes sense that we're seeing all sorts of strange types of performances. It's nice to see how innovative people can be.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Tough Isn't Enough
Watching "America's Toughest Jobs" makes me want to wear a sweater! They've been working in cold places, which to me is as rough as the jobs they are tackling. Last week they were catching crabs in the Bering Sea and last night they were trucking on icy roads in Alaska. Next week, it'll be mining gold in Alaska. I hope they go to a warmer climate soon.
I've seen numerous commecials for "Ice Road Truckers" and finally decided to watch an episode last week. After about five minutes, I had to turn the channel. It was just too intense for me. Maybe I'm too empathetic, but it terrified me. I hadn't realized at the time that "America's Toughest Jobs" was going to feature a similar challenge this week.
I'm impressed that the contestants even learned to drive big rigs, let alone on ice. Again, most of the women did really well. It was a man who was chosen best driver, though. Men were among the worst, too. The four bottom people had to compete in a race, of sorts. It involved backing the truck and unhitching the trailer. Chris had a crappy attitude during the drive and he did very poorly in the race. He should have gone home.
The only reason he didn't was that Amy, who had backed perfectly, couldn't get the rig unhitched. She ended up being the one eliminated. I don't feel too badly about it because she was bound to leave soon. Last week, she came close to being sent home for her poor performance as a crab fisher. I'm guessing Chris or Eric will be next to go home. There are 11 contestants left, and I think only 3 are women. I'd love to see Michaela or Sandy win, but the odds aren't in their favor.
Whether a woman wins or not, we can see on the show that women can tackle and succeed at tough jobs. I probably wouldn't want my daughter to take on jobs as dangerous as those on the show, but I'm encouraged that they are at least being given chances to take on hard tasks. Maybe one day we'll even have a woman president!
I've seen numerous commecials for "Ice Road Truckers" and finally decided to watch an episode last week. After about five minutes, I had to turn the channel. It was just too intense for me. Maybe I'm too empathetic, but it terrified me. I hadn't realized at the time that "America's Toughest Jobs" was going to feature a similar challenge this week.
I'm impressed that the contestants even learned to drive big rigs, let alone on ice. Again, most of the women did really well. It was a man who was chosen best driver, though. Men were among the worst, too. The four bottom people had to compete in a race, of sorts. It involved backing the truck and unhitching the trailer. Chris had a crappy attitude during the drive and he did very poorly in the race. He should have gone home.
The only reason he didn't was that Amy, who had backed perfectly, couldn't get the rig unhitched. She ended up being the one eliminated. I don't feel too badly about it because she was bound to leave soon. Last week, she came close to being sent home for her poor performance as a crab fisher. I'm guessing Chris or Eric will be next to go home. There are 11 contestants left, and I think only 3 are women. I'd love to see Michaela or Sandy win, but the odds aren't in their favor.
Whether a woman wins or not, we can see on the show that women can tackle and succeed at tough jobs. I probably wouldn't want my daughter to take on jobs as dangerous as those on the show, but I'm encouraged that they are at least being given chances to take on hard tasks. Maybe one day we'll even have a woman president!
Monday, September 1, 2008
Reality Bites Again
I almost forgot to watch "Reality Bites Back" this week. Too much reality, I guess. However, Comedy Central had a marathon today, so I got to catch the most recent episode. It turns out there is one more after this one. I'll try to remember to watch it on Thursday.
This latest installment was called "The Amazing Disgrace" and featured a race through LA. I actually enjoyed this episode. There wasn't anything too disgusting and some of it was actually amusing. Doing charades of porn movie titles, for example. There was also a bit about one team member being locked in a toilet and the other having to do math problems to get the combination required to let him out.
Mo was teamed with his brother, Amy with her sister and Theo partnered with a friend. Theor and friend came in first. The brothers did not do well and came in last place. There was a silly "Deal or No Deal" moment where the two last teams, Amy's and Mo's, had to pick a case to decide who would stay. In the end, it was Amy who earned the other spot for the final episode.
It looks like the final episode will be a "Survivor" send-up and that all the contestants are coming back. Probably to vote for who wins. At this point, I'm starting to think the whole thing is fixed and scripted. Isn't it interesting that the two most attractive contestants are left? I can't complain. Amy has been my favorite all along, more because she was the only one I'd seen before than her cuteness.
One more week to go. I don't feel the suspense I do at the end of "Survivor". I really don't care who wins this comedy show while I always have a favorite on "Survivor". Still, I'm interested enough to tune in for the "Reality Bites Back" finale.
This latest installment was called "The Amazing Disgrace" and featured a race through LA. I actually enjoyed this episode. There wasn't anything too disgusting and some of it was actually amusing. Doing charades of porn movie titles, for example. There was also a bit about one team member being locked in a toilet and the other having to do math problems to get the combination required to let him out.
Mo was teamed with his brother, Amy with her sister and Theo partnered with a friend. Theor and friend came in first. The brothers did not do well and came in last place. There was a silly "Deal or No Deal" moment where the two last teams, Amy's and Mo's, had to pick a case to decide who would stay. In the end, it was Amy who earned the other spot for the final episode.
It looks like the final episode will be a "Survivor" send-up and that all the contestants are coming back. Probably to vote for who wins. At this point, I'm starting to think the whole thing is fixed and scripted. Isn't it interesting that the two most attractive contestants are left? I can't complain. Amy has been my favorite all along, more because she was the only one I'd seen before than her cuteness.
One more week to go. I don't feel the suspense I do at the end of "Survivor". I really don't care who wins this comedy show while I always have a favorite on "Survivor". Still, I'm interested enough to tune in for the "Reality Bites Back" finale.
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